Andy Montoya
Chopped cheese is a sandwich that is a combination of a burger and a cheesesteak. It is made with ground beef, cooked onions, and cheese. The beef is cooked, chopped up into crumbles, and then topped with cooked onions and cheese. The cheese is then melted and the sandwich is assembled. Chopped cheese is usually served on a hoagie roll with condiments like mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, lettuce, and tomato slices. The origin of the sandwich is thought to be a bodega in the Spanish Harlem neighborhood of New York City. While the cheese used in chopped cheese is typically melted, some people prefer to chop it into the meat instead.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of cheese | American cheese |
| Texture | Melted, gooey, smooth, creamy, stringy, velvety-smooth, rubbery, clumpy, lumpy, greasy, stiff, charred |
| Method | Stovetop, skillet, microwave |
| Temperature | Low heat, 90°F (32°C) and above |
| Toppings | Ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, lettuce, tomato, pickled pepper |
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What You'll Learn
- Chopped cheese is made with ground beef, not slivered steak like a cheesesteak
- American cheese is the best cheese for melting on a chopped cheese sandwich
- The cheese is melted on top of the beef and then chopped into it
- Chopped cheese is a New York City sandwich, originating in Harlem
- To reheat chopped cheese, microwave the meat, melt the cheese separately, and toast a fresh roll
Chopped cheese is made with ground beef, not slivered steak like a cheesesteak
Chopped cheese is a sandwich that is said to have originated in a bodega in the Spanish Harlem neighborhood of New York City. It is made with ground beef, not slivered steak like a cheesesteak. The ground beef is cooked and chopped up into crumbles, and then topped with lightly cooked onions and cheese. The cheese is typically American cheese, which is one of the best cheeses for melting. It has a mild taste and is commonly used in New York City.
To make a chopped cheese sandwich, you start by cooking the ground beef on a griddle or in a skillet. You can use a metal spatula or a spoon to chop the beef into small pieces as it cooks. Once the beef is browned, you add onions and garlic and cook until they are softened. You can then season the beef with salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce.
Next, you toast the hoagie rolls or buns in the same skillet until they are lightly browned. You can spread mayonnaise on the rolls, as well as ketchup if desired. Then, you add the cooked beef to the rolls and top it with the cheese. You can either let the cheese melt on top of the beef or chop it into the meat. Finally, you add toppings such as lettuce and tomato, and any desired condiments.
The key difference between a chopped cheese and a cheesesteak is the type of meat used. Chopped cheese uses ground beef, while cheesesteaks use thinly sliced steak. In addition, chopped cheese usually includes fresh toppings such as lettuce and tomato, while cheesesteaks typically only have cooked vegetables. Chopped cheese is also easier to make at home since it does not require slicing steak.
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American cheese is the best cheese for melting on a chopped cheese sandwich
The chopped cheese sandwich, a beloved New York City staple, is a handheld meal that combines ground beef, spices, and cheese. While the choice of cheese is ultimately a matter of personal preference, American cheese stands out as the best option for several compelling reasons.
First and foremost, American cheese is renowned for its melting capabilities. Its soft and creamy texture makes it ideal for sandwiches, as it melts smoothly and evenly, creating a delightful gooeyness that perfectly complements the crispy, browned ground beef in a chopped cheese sandwich. The melting quality of American cheese is so exceptional that it has earned the title of the "meltiest there ever was or will be" by some enthusiasts.
Additionally, American cheese has a mild taste that strikes a harmonious balance in the chopped cheese sandwich. While the cheese itself may not be the most flavorful, its subtle creaminess enhances the overall sensory experience. The browned ground beef, seasoned with salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce, takes center stage in the flavor department, while the melted American cheese provides a rich and satisfying mouthfeel without overwhelming the palate.
The versatility of American cheese also makes it a top choice for the chopped cheese sandwich. In New York City, orange American cheese is commonly used, adding a vibrant splash of color to the sandwich. However, white American cheese is equally suitable, offering a more subtle appearance while delivering the same exceptional melting performance and mild flavor.
Preparation techniques further highlight the superiority of American cheese for this specific sandwich. The chopped cheese sandwich is often wrapped in foil after cooking to trap heat and steam, enhancing the melting process and keeping the cheese deliciously gooey. American cheese's propensity to melt and its resistance to lumpiness or grease make it the ideal candidate for this unique post-cooking treatment.
While other cheeses, such as cheddar, mozzarella, or provolone, certainly have their merits and can be used in sandwiches, American cheese remains the quintessential choice for the chopped cheese sandwich. Its unparalleled melting abilities, mild taste, and versatility elevate the sensory experience, ensuring that every bite is a delectable fusion of textures and flavors.
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The cheese is melted on top of the beef and then chopped into it
Chopped cheese is a sandwich that is thought to have originated in a bodega in the Spanish Harlem neighborhood of New York City. It is a burger-meets-cheesesteak sandwich mashup. Chopped cheese sandwiches use ground beef, while cheesesteaks use slivered steak. The beef is cooked and chopped up into crumbles, and then topped with lightly cooked onions. The cheese is then melted on top of the beef and chopped into it. The whole sandwich is then tucked into a toasted hoagie roll with mayonnaise, lettuce, tomato, and condiments of your choice.
The cheese used in chopped cheese is typically American cheese, which is one of the best cheeses for melting due to its mild taste and high moisture content. It is important to melt cheese at a low temperature to avoid overheating or burning it, which can result in an unappealing texture. The ideal temperature range for melting cheese is between 90°F (32°C) and 150°F (66°C). At the lower end of this range, the fat in cheese begins to soften and melt, and as the temperature increases, the protein molecules begin to break apart and disperse throughout the fat and water.
To melt the cheese for a chopped cheese sandwich, slices of American cheese are placed on top of the ground beef. The cheese is allowed to melt for one to two minutes before being chopped into the beef using a spatula or a spoon. This mixture is then scooped onto a toasted hoagie roll.
When reheating a chopped cheese sandwich, it is recommended to remove the lettuce and tomato and briefly microwave the sandwich to soften the cheese. Alternatively, the meat can be reheated separately, and the cheese can be melted on top before packing it into a freshly toasted hoagie roll.
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Chopped cheese is a New York City sandwich, originating in Harlem
The process of making a chopped cheese sandwich starts with browning ground beef on a griddle or skillet. The beef is then chopped into crumbles, and lightly cooked onions and garlic are added. The mixture is seasoned with salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Next, slices of American cheese are placed on top of the beef, and allowed to melt. A spatula is then used to chop the cheese into the beef mixture.
The sandwich is assembled by spreading mayonnaise on a toasted hoagie roll and scooping the chopped meat and cheese mixture onto it. The sandwich is then garnished with fresh toppings such as lettuce and tomato, and condiments like ketchup and mustard. The result is a hearty and savoury sandwich with a flurry of toppings.
The chopped cheese sandwich is a product of working-class neighbourhoods and a blend of immigrant stories. It is affordable, appealing, customisable, and readily available in many neighbourhoods of New York City. The sandwich is also known as "chop cheese", derived from the preparation method of chopping the meat with a spatula.
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To reheat chopped cheese, microwave the meat, melt the cheese separately, and toast a fresh roll
Chopped cheese is a sandwich that combines elements of a burger and a cheesesteak. It is made with ground beef, American cheese, and a hoagie roll, and is typically topped with fresh vegetables. The beef is cooked and chopped into small pieces, then combined with the cheese, and served on a toasted roll.
To reheat a chopped cheese sandwich, it is best to microwave the meat, melt the cheese separately, and toast a fresh roll. This ensures that each component is properly heated and maintains its texture and flavour. Here is a step-by-step guide:
- Remove any fresh toppings, such as lettuce and tomato, from the sandwich.
- Place the cooked meat in a microwave-safe dish and heat it until hot and steamy. This helps prevent bacteria growth and ensures food safety.
- Separately, melt the cheese. This can be done on a stovetop or in a microwave, although the stovetop method provides more control and a smoother texture. Heat the cheese at the lowest temperature to avoid losing moisture and fat, resulting in a better texture.
- Toast a fresh hoagie roll. A toaster or oven can be used for this step.
- Assemble the sandwich by placing the meat and cheese inside the toasted roll.
- Add any desired toppings, such as ketchup, mustard, or pickled peppers.
By reheating the components separately, you can ensure that each element of the sandwich is properly heated without drying out the bread or overcooking the cheese.
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Frequently asked questions
A chopped cheese sandwich is a burger-meets-cheesesteak sandwich made with ground beef, American cheese, a hoagie roll, and various toppings.
Sliced American cheese is typically used in a chopped cheese sandwich.
Yes, the cheese is melted in a chopped cheese sandwich. The American cheese is placed on top of the ground beef and allowed to melt before being chopped into the meat mixture.
To melt the cheese for a chopped cheese sandwich, you can use a skillet or griddle on medium heat. Place the cheese on top of the ground beef and let it melt for about one to two minutes.
